Do you feel exhausted during the day, have difficulty concentrating or find it hard to stay motivated? Are you simply tired? Is it getting worse as you age? Do you ever wonder what is wrong?

Tiredness can be due to a milieu of underlying causes. Today, let’s look at nutritional factors.

Food and Energy

Food is essential for our body to function properly. Food is literally broken down into building blocks that are then converted into energy. No food means no energy production. It’s basic physiology and it’s as simple as that.

Poor nutrition is often overlooked as a major contributor to fatigue. It can be a sign of underlying nutritional deficiencies. 

Nutrition is one of the foundations for good health, and if we don’t get the right balance of nutrients and calories, our bodies can suffer. 

Common Nutrient Deficiencies

Some common nutritional deficiencies associated with fatigue are low iron, vitamin B12, other B vitamins, vitamin D, and magnesium. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body and helps with energy production, while vitamin B12 helps to create red blood cells and supports the nervous system. Vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, and B6 are all needed in energy production pathways. Vitamin D helps to regulate our hormones and is important for the absorption of calcium. Magnesium helps to regulate our energy levels, sleep, muscle and nerve function, and can help to reduce stress. 

If you’re feeling run down and can’t pinpoint the cause, it might be worth considering whether your food plan is providing you with the right balance of nutrients. 

Eating for Energy

Eating a balanced nutrition plan of whole foods is the best way to ensure that you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and minerals. Eating plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help to boost your energy levels and keep fatigue at bay. 

By making sure the food you eat is providing you with the right balance of nutrients, you can reduce your chances of feeling run down and fatigued. Nutrition is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle, and it’s important to remember that what you eat can have a huge impact on your energy levels.

If you’re unsure of which nutrients you’re missing, it can be useful to to work with a naturopathic doctor to get a better understanding of what your body needs. We can run labs to test for nutritional deficiencies and advise on any supplements you might need, and provide you with tailored advice on how to get the right balance of nutrients in your food plan.